Zoom to it! (Cat Zoom Groom)

Member Name: FourPaws

Product:	Cat Zoom Groom
Date:	25/02/08 (242 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Removes loose hair, massaging effect for animal, cheap

Disadvantages: Not suitable for long haired animals.

What is a Kong Zoom Groom?*
The Zoom Groom is a rubber grooming aid produced by Amercian pet care company 'Kong'- perhaps best known for their red rubber dog toys- it is part of their grooming range which caters mainly for dogs, cats and horses.

*The product itself*
The Zoom Groom is quite unsual compared to most other grooming products- its a blue rubber cat shaped brush with soft rounded 'spikes' which help to remove loose hair and dead skin from your pet, aswell as stimulating the natural oils in your pets coat- these help keep the fur clean and shiny. Grooming mits I have used in the past have been very hard to hold, but this design allows you to easily hold the brush in one hand, whilst leaving your other hand free to keep hold of your pet. The rubber 'spikes' are also designed to massage your pets skin as you groom them, this is particually good for animals who don't like being brushed as it feels more like they are being stroked and also helps strenghten the bond you and your pet already have- grooming is particually good for building up trust in new/rescued animals too, aswell as being essential to the wellbeing of your pet.

*Packaging*
The brush comes attached to a small piece of yellow card telling you all the information you need to know about the product- it also has the contact details for Kong should you have any complaints or comments. You can easily see and feel the brush, allowing you to get a good idea of the product before purchasing it.

*Price & Availabilty*
I purchased my Zoom Groom from Pets At Home for £5.00 which is very cheap compared to most professional grooming aids. They are available from several online stores and probably most small local pet shops too, although they may cost slightly more.

*My Opinion*
Like alot of cats, my boy Jet HATES with a passion, being groomed. He never allowed me any where near him with a normal cat brush, and I had to resort to my partner holding Jet whilst I brushed him, which was obviously very stressful for him, and left me covered in stratches! So when I spotted the Zoom Groom I was more than willing to give it a go, I began using it gently whilst Jet was on my lap, and like the packaging claimed- it gave a massaging effect aswell as successfully removing his loose hair. The flexiable rubber bends to the shape of Jets body, so for him it feels like he is being stroked and now never notices that I'm actually grooming him. His general coat condition has also improved greatly since using this product.
The Zoom Groom can be used for other animals too- it works very well on Grace- my Rottweilers short coat although it isn't suitable for the longer hair of Ruby and Benson.

*Ease of cleaning*
It is obviously important to keep your animals grooming equipment clean, and the Zoom Groom is very easily cleaned. The rubber allows it to be simply scrubbed in soapy water, then rinsed and left to naturally air dry. The loose hair that collects in the brush is easily removed by tapping on a hard surface or brushing away with an old toothbrush.

*Pro's & Con's*
+ The animals hardly know they are being groomed
+ Massages, and stimulates coat oils aswell as removing loose hair
+ Flexible material allows it to bend to the contours of your pets body
+ Can be used on other animals, not just cats
+ Cheap
+ Long lasting
+ Easy to clean

- Not suitable for long haired pets
- Easily chewed, I'm on Zoom Groom number 3 already. Although thats my fault for leaving them in Graces reach!

Summary: Deffinatly recommended for owners of short haired cats and dogs.